The Kennel Club Art Gallery, situated in Mayfair, London, has introduced a captivating new exhibition showcasing the historical presence of dogs in advertisements.
Open to the public, the exhibition offers a journey through time, tracing the evolution of canines as marketing icons and their impact on cultural trends. From the inception of marketing strategies to the present day, the exhibition chronicles the integration of dogs into commercial campaigns. Antique advertisements, artefacts, and trophies dating back to the mid-19th century, alongside modern collectables, illustrate the profound influence of ‘pet culture’ on advertising and marketing practices.
Unveiling Advertising’s Canine Evolution
Ciara Farrell, The Kennel Club’s Library and Collections manager, expressed enthusiasm for the exhibition, stating, “This visual narrative vividly portrays dogs’ growing significance within our society and households.”
Visitors can explore iconic brands such as Spratt’s Pet Food, which revolutionised pet care with the introduction of the first commercial dog biscuit in 1862, catalysing a shift towards widespread dog ownership.
As advertising mirrored and shaped cultural attitudes towards dogs and specific breeds, the exhibition emphasises the need for informed decision-making in dog ownership. Rather than succumbing to advertising or celebrity endorsements, visitors are encouraged to conduct thorough research into various dog breeds and their needs.
The exhibition is open to the public by appointment at The Kennel Club Art Gallery, located at 10 Clarges Street, Mayfair, W1J 8AB. Operating hours are Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, until 30 August 2024. To schedule a visit, email artgallery@thekennelclub.org.uk or call 020 7518 1064.
For more information about The Kennel Club Art Gallery, visit thekennelclub.org.uk/gallery or follow the Gallery’s Instagram at instagram.com/thekennelclubukcollections.
Image by The Kennel Club/Luisa Foster.
